Privacy Policy

Introduction

Smile Craft ("we," "our," or "us") is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our dental practice or use our website. Please read this privacy policy carefully. If you do not agree with the terms of this privacy policy, please do not access the site or our services.

Information We Collect

We may collect information about you in a variety of ways, including:

Personal Health Information (PHI)

As a dental healthcare provider, we collect protected health information as defined by HIPAA, including:

• Name, address, phone number, email address, and date of birth
• Social Security Number (for insurance purposes only)
• Medical and dental history
• Treatment records and clinical notes
• X-rays, photographs, and other diagnostic images
• Insurance information and billing records
• Emergency contact information

Website Information

When you visit our website, we may automatically collect:

• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Pages visited and time spent on pages
• Referring website addresses
• IP address (anonymized where possible)

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide dental care and treatment services
• Schedule and manage appointments
• Process insurance claims and billing
• Communicate with you about your care, appointments, and treatment plans
• Send appointment reminders via phone, email, or text message
• Improve our services and patient experience
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements
• Respond to your inquiries and requests

HIPAA Compliance

As a healthcare provider, Smile Craft complies with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). We maintain appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect the privacy and security of your protected health information (PHI).

You have the right to receive a copy of our Notice of Privacy Practices, which provides more detailed information about how we may use and disclose your PHI. A copy is available at our office upon request.

Your Rights

Under HIPAA, you have the right to:

• Access and obtain a copy of your dental records
• Request corrections to your health information
• Request restrictions on certain uses and disclosures of your information
• Receive confidential communications
• Receive an accounting of disclosures of your health information
• File a complaint if you believe your privacy rights have been violated

Disclosure of Your Information

We may share your information in the following situations:

• Treatment: With other healthcare providers involved in your care
• Payment: With your insurance company to process claims
• Healthcare Operations: For quality improvement and training purposes
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or court order
• Business Associates: With third-party vendors who assist in our operations and are bound by confidentiality agreements
• With Your Authorization: For any purpose you specifically authorize in writing

We will never sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information, including:

• Encrypted electronic health records
• Secure, password-protected systems
• Limited access to patient information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular staff training on privacy and security practices
• Physical safeguards for paper records

Cookies and Tracking

Our website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience. You can set your browser to refuse cookies, but some features of the website may not function properly.

Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites you visit.

Children's Privacy

We provide dental services to patients of all ages, including children. For patients under 18, we require parental or guardian consent for treatment and maintain the same privacy protections for minors as we do for adult patients.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The updated version will be indicated by an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information.